SIR Bobby Robson’s old school is holding an open evening for former pupils to share their childhood memories before it is demolished.

The former England and Newcastle United manager attended Esh Winning Primary School, in County Durham, when it was a secondary school in the Forties before embarking on a football career that would take him around the world.

The classrooms where he would have attended lessons are being knocked down to make way for a £6.4m school for today’s pupils.

Headteacher Diane Kime said: “It is nice to think he once walked down the same corridors as the pupils that are here today.

“I have a picture of him up in my office and it is always a talking point for visitors.

“It means quite lot to have such a famous former pupil.

They are a bit young to remember him as a manager, but know who is because he means so much people from this area.”

Sir Bobby, who grew up in Langley Park, died in July 2009 from cancer. His charity has raised millions of pounds to fight the disease.

An open evening at his former school, which opened as Waterhouses County Senior Mixed on January 10, 1933, is being held next month.

The new school will have 270 places, with a 39-place nursery, and will include a community centre, library and 64 parking spaces.

Council officers originally wanted to rebuild the school on land off Woodlands Road, in the centre of the village, but they did a U-turn after a campaign by parents and residents to preserve the site as a village green.

Work is already under way on the building and it is due to open in April next year.

The open evening is on Wednesday, October 12, from 4pm to 5.30pm.

The school is keen to hear from past pupils and teachers who have old pictures and memorabilia from their schooldays.

Mrs Kime said: “We hope people will come in and enjoy sharing memories with each other.

“It is nice to look back at how things used to be to enjoy the nostalgia.”